When bellying up to the bar, pay attention to what goes into your mouth, and you might shed some of the unwanted bulk. Make the wise and attentive choice of drinks and accompanying snacks an ally in your battle of the bulge.
Most importantly, alcohol makes you hungry. It lessens your inhibitions and your ability to keep tract of things. It is easy to find yourself mindlessly nibbling nuts, chips or anything else within reach. As your blood sugar lowers, you have another drink.
Alcoholic calories multiply quickly. The standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka contains 96 calories. A 6-ounce glass of orange juice has 84 calories, but add a shot of vodka to make a screwdriver, and calories more than double. Higher-proof alcohol contains more calories.
It is the mixer that hides calories and sugar, and tonic water might be the worst offender. Diet mixers help keep calories from drinks on the lighter side.
Drink water, not cocktails, for hydration. Have a glass of water before you have a cocktail. An additional glass of water during the evening helps control the number of drinks and calories and that awful hangover in the morning. Naturally sparkling water with a hint of lime, fresh basil or your favorite herb is delicious and calorie-free.
Always prepare your cocktail in a tall highball glass with lots and lots of ice, then slowly sip and savor. A salt-encrusted rim on a non-sweet drink promotes additional flavor. Rub the rim with lime juice before you dip it in salt. Steer clear of oversized drinks, ordering doubles and thoughtless refills, and these cocktail alternatives and drink suggestions will help you enjoy a party without inconvenient, fat-laden consequences.
The Cape Codder: An 8-ounce glass of this classic vodka and cranberry drink (a shot of vodka, lots of ice, and the glass filled with cranberry juice) contains about 165 calories. Cranberry juice promotes urinary tract well-being, helps flush alcohol and encourages the body to burn, rather than store, fat.
Sour Apple Martini: This tart cocktail -- 2.5 oz sour mix and 3/4 oz each of vodka and sour apple liqueur -- produces a martini with no more than 160 calories to be served over rocks and savored.
Maggie McQuade: An innovative and interesting mix of a shot of vanilla vodka and diet ginger ale, served over ice.
Mojito: This trendy drink includes 1.5 oz rum, .5 oz lime juice, 2 tsp sugar, crushed ice and mint - and will set you back only about 135 calories. Artificial sweetener can be substituted for sugar to save additional calories. When this mixture is mashed into a mush with the back of a wooden spoon, it is much like the original mojito, but you still save calories when it's poured over ice cubes and served in a tall glass.
Gin and tonic: A shot of gin, lots of ice, diet tonic and a twist of lime -- a time-proven classic with 103 calories. Also, a G & T raises your sophistication level and leaves the vodka and Red Bull to the college kids. Tanqueray gin contributes a unique flavor, but this refresher also works well with vodka.
Sangria is healthful, low-calorie and delicious when made this way: Combine 4 packets sweetener with 4 tbsp. water in a large pitcher. Add slices of orange, lemon, lime, peach and fresh grapes, plus a bottle of red or white wine - whichever you prefer. Stir and chill. Add a good splash of diet club soda just before serving.
A White Wine Spritzer, lightened with water or diet club soda, is a refreshing and delicious drink to sip as you enjoy the evening. Dry whites are best choices to keep calories low.
Choose to attend only the best parties, where you will have the most fun. Slowly savor a drink or two that suits your fancy; taste only the most appealing appetizer. Enjoy the company, the conversation and the atmosphere. If there is dancing, find a partner; if there are games, join in. Later, delight in pleasant memories and a renewed sense of accomplishment and well-being.